Re: meningomylocoele, spina bifida and tethered cord

: : : My baby is 1 month old. she had a swollen tissue @ s2 level. MRI says it is communication with the spinal canal.: : : her cord is lower and is tethered at s2 level: : : diastomatomyelia is fm l2-s1 level.: : : she moves her limbs today. but i donot know howlong she can do so.: : : MRI says no evidence of chairi malformation was seen.: : : i want to know

: : : will she accumulate fluid in the brain?: : : can she walk after detethered?: : : will she be retarded?

: : : pls letme know

: : : thanks in advance , : : : rakesh

: : : rkg707@usa.net

: : my daughter was also born with a tethered cord. She had surgery to detethered it at two months. She is now 5 years old. She has some residual bladder/bowel problems and was late in toilet training. She walks and runs normally and is normal mentally. I would suggest you see a really good neurologist and find the best neurosurgeon you can. The doctors explained to us that the earlier the surgery, the more beneficial it will be. Good Luck!

: ::I am a 45 year old female. I have congenital scoliosis and spina bifida. This year, due to severe back pain, I found that I have a tethered cord, Chairi malformation, herniated brain stem, and hydrocephalus never diagnosed. I am now on pain medication, do yoga, rest, lift no more than 5 lbs., and watch my weight carefully. I have lived an active productive life, am a teacher, not at all retarded, I can't water ski, but, hey! Doctors didn't know when I was being treated what they do now. If so, I may have been able to have the problems monitored and treated as a child. As it is now, I may be facing a surgery in the future that makes the spinal fusion with instrumentation I had at age 13 seem minor. I am monitored by a pediatric neurosurgeon at UAB in B'ham, Al. and an orthopedic surgeon there also, as of this past January. Good Luck and God Bless you in your search for answers, the best neurosurgeon out there, and a healthy productive life for your child.

I also am in my 40's and have known about my meningocele and spinal bifida for a long time. Scoliosis, too. I was recently diagnosed with compressed nerve and just visited Vanderbilt Hospital where they think that I have a tethered cord. Doctors have talked about all kinds of surgeries, but I am not sure what kind, where, or with whom? Anybody have any successes with adult surgeries?